Phonograph Blues

Album: King Of The Delta Blues (1936)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In his short life, Robert Johnson recorded only 29 songs. According to Dave Rubin in his transcription of the Johnson sessions King Of The Delta Blues, "Phonograph Blues" (take 1) is quite similar to "Kind Hearted Woman Blues." Rubin writes, "After surveying Robert Johnson's complete repertoire, it becomes evident that he had, with exceptions, a group of accompaniments that he adapted to various sets of lyrics."
  • Take 2 of "Phonograph Blues" from these legendary November 1936 sessions was the last song in a long day of recording, and Johnson is said to have used a "mysterious tuning" on it which has been called the Aadd9 tuning, E-B-E-A-C♯-E. He used the same tuning on "I Believe I'll Dust My Broom." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments: 2

  • Thomas Muck from Fairfax, VaThe second take was done in Vestapol tuning in the key of Eb. No "mysterious" tuning. Literally NO basis in fact.
  • Thomas Muck from Fairfax, VaThere is no evidence that Robert Johnson ever used a tuning called "Aadd9". This was invented by some rock guy and promoted in Guitar Player magazine, and picked up by Rubin in his transcription book. Complete garbage. Johnson used Spanish, Vestapol, Cross-note, and standard tunings like everyone else in his day. Robert Johnson experts all agree on this.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.

Terry Jacks ("Seasons in the Sun")

Terry Jacks ("Seasons in the Sun")Songwriter Interviews

Inspired by his dear friend, "Seasons in the Sun" paid for Terry's boat, which led him away from music and into a battle with Canadian paper mills.

When Rock Belonged To Michelob

When Rock Belonged To MichelobSong Writing

Michelob commercials generated hits for Eric Clapton, Genesis and Steve Winwood in the '80s, even as some of these rockers were fighting alcoholism.

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger

Kelly Keagy of Night RangerSongwriter Interviews

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger tells the "Sister Christian" story and explains why he started sweating when he saw it in Boogie Nights.

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?Song Writing

A big list of musical marriages and family relations ranging from the simple to the truly dysfunctional.